RCI Executive Team and Board of Advisors

As the Relationship Coffee Institute’s Executive Director, Ruth Coleman is responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations and managing strategic relationships. Previously, she worked with California State Parks, the California Legislative Analyst office, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Swaziland, Africa. She is a graduate of Occidental College and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Rosa oversees Finance and Administration at the Relationship Coffee Institute, managing the organizations' finances, both domestically and internationally, and providing fund reports to RCI's grantors. Rosa has extensive nonprofit experience, having worked with NGOs that support survivors of domestic violence, promote food security, and develop international non-profit programs. In the for-profit sector, Rosa has worked with mission-driven companies that support social stewardship and women's health initiatives.

Bong Suh advises on our strategic project efforts at the Relationship Coffee Institute, bringing an extensive background in business, e-commerce, law and finance. He has an undergraduate degree in Business from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and a law degree from University of California’s Berkeley School of Law. He founded the internet company BuyDirect and served as its Chief Executive Officer. He also served as a mergers & acquisition banker at Robertson, Stephens & Company and Morgan Stanley & Co., as well as Senior Vice President of corporate development at CNET Inc. and Beyond.com.

Paul has over 30 years experience advising, funding and starting commercial and non-profit businesses. After earning his MBA from Columbia University, he joined the technology strategy practice at Booz Allen. He was a Vice President in Morgan Stanley’s M&A practice in NYC, and practice leader of GE’s private equity investing activities based in Stamford, CT and San Francisco. He was a founder or lead funder of several businesses including Education Finance Partners, AdPerk and several non-profits. Paul is interested in social enterprises and commercial businesses that find a way to support non-profit social services with cash and expertise while also sustaining their for-profit activities.

Sustainable Harvest® Rwanda NGO Staff

NGO staff focuses on implementing training on best agricultural practices, cooperative management, data collection, and more, in order to ensure the program’s impact on its beneficiaries.

As the East Africa Regional Director, Christine leads all program activity for Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda. Prior to joining the Sustainable Harvest® team, Christine worked with ACDI/VOCA on a USAID project, with Fair Trade USA, REDI (Rwanda Economic Development Initiative), and Root Capital. She has invested the past 14 years in her passion: transforming the lives of people in the rural sector, especially through women’s economic development.

As Director, Jean d’Amour oversees the implementation of all program activities for Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda. He has more than 17 years of experience in agronomy, including eight years in coffee value chain development. Before joining SH-R, he was working with Wagenningen University on a project of improving the sugarcane value chain in Rwanda’s Nyabarongo valley. Jean d’Amour holds a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development & Agribusiness, an A1 diploma in Crop Production, an A2 diploma in Agriculture, and is a master’s degree candidate in Project Management.

Richard is responsible for managing the development and execution of systems to track and report on the impact Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda delivers to its program beneficiaries. He has a strong background in technology and management of development projects. Prior to joining Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda, he did tech consulting for Vitae Homes, a California-based real estate firm, and before that, spent seven years in technology, business analysis, and M&E roles at Grameen Foundation. Richard is an alumnus of the International Institute for Local Development in Capetown, South Africa, in Result Based M&E, and a graduate of Makerere University in Information Technology.

Joseph is Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda’s Data Manager, primarily focused on M&E systems, where he is responsible for managing data collection activities, ensuring quality control of collected data, and contributing to M&E system development. He has an undergraduate degree from the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Rural Development and Agribusiness. Joseph worked for the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda for three years in data collection projects (including the National General Census and the National Agriculture Survey) as a team leader at the district level.

Caleb is the accountant and office administrator at Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda, responsible for maintaining, verifying, recording, and reporting the company’s financial activity. He also oversees and ensures smooth office operations. Before joining Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda, Caleb worked in the hospitality industry and with USG-funded projects in Rwanda, including Jhpiego Corporation and Constella Futures Group. He is a graduate of School of Finance and Banking in Rwanda, and is currently a CPA candidate.

Fabien joined Sustainable Harvest® in 2014 as Senior Agronomist, based in Nyaruguru District, before becoming Regional Manager of Southern Province. He has 11 years of experience in the coffee industry, including nine years at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) as a zone coffee Extensionist responsible for planning and organizing coffee farming activities, developing coffee producers’ awareness of formation of cooperatives, and preventing coffee diseases and pests. He has a degree from ISTCE University.

Jean Aime is the Regional Manager of Eastern Province based in Rwamagana District, providing best agricultural practices trainings, cooperative management trainings, and quality control and business advisory services to coffee washing stations. Prior to his employment with SH-R, Jean Aime worked for six years as a zone coffee extensionist with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), working closely with farmers in the Western Province of Rwanda. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business, a diploma in Crop Production, and has participated in many cupping trainings and three roasting training.

Eric is a Junior Agronomist based in Nyaruguru District, providing Best Agricultural Practices trainings, helping smallholder cooperatives become more business-minded, and training in management of coffee washing stations for producing specialty coffee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rwanda in Soil and Water Management. Prior to his current position with Sustainable Harvest®, Eric was a Field Agronomist Advisor for coffee washing stations (CWS) with SNV. He has done cupping, management, and leadership trainings and enjoys innovation and working with rural communities in Rwanda.

Amani is SH-R’s Regional Manager for Northern Province, overseeing coffee program activities, coordinating agronomy program planning, providing expert knowledge to the strategic vision undertaken by program directors, and overseeing timely and effective implementation of the agronomy training program and additional value chain training. He holds a master’s degree of Development Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Crop Sciences. Prior to joining the SH-R team, Amani worked as a zone coffee extension officer at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB).

Egide is the driver of SH-R, where he’s responsible for ensuring the transportation of staff and upkeep on the company car. Before joining SH-R, Egide was an employee of Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi for seven years as personal driver of the Executive Secretary. Egide is a decorated driver, with A and B driver’s licenses and various mechanical engineering trainings.

Dominique is SH-R’s District Coordinator for the Western Province. He has invested 12 years working with coffee farmers; prior to join SH-R in 2017, he was a field agronomist advisor for coffee washing stations with SNV Rwanda. Before that he worked with USAID-Global Communities in the Integrated Improved Livelihoods program as a cooperative development junior consultant in the areas of governance, financial management, and value chain development. Dominique holds a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development.

As the District Coordinator of Rwanda’s Eastern Province, Ignace coordinates all program activities for SH-R in Ngoma District. Before joining SH-R. For three years he worked with SDA/CONCERN Worldwide as a development technician on a graduation program project. Before that, he spent four years as an agronomist in Gisagara District in charge of agriculture, cooperatives, and natural resources. Ignace holds a bachelor’s degree in Crop Production, an advanced diploma in Crop Production, and an A2 diploma in Agriculture.

Ernest is District Coordinator in Gakenke District, supervising the implementation of SH-R priorities and working closely with local government, women leaders, and cooperatives to meet project milestones. Previously at SH-R, Ernest worked in Nyaruguru and Kayonza Districts as Junior Agronomist, providing training on best agricultural practices and cooperative management, as well as conducting data collection. Ernest holds a bachelor’s degree in Crop Production and an A2 Diploma in Agronomy. Prior to joining SH-R, he worked at Duhamic-Adri and in Nyabihu District as a facilitator in farmer field schools.

Annualite is District Coordinator in Rulindo District, supervising the implementation of SH-R priorities and working closely with local government, women leaders, and cooperatives to meet project milestones. Previously, Annualite worked for Wood Foundation Africa as a Farmer Field School Facilitator, worked as a field enumerator in IPA for one year, and interned for one year with in RAB-Musanze. Annualite holds a bachelor’s degree in Crop Production and an A2 diploma in Maths and Physics.

Martin oversees the SH-R program in Rwanda’s Western Province. He has 11 years of experience in the coffee industry, including six years at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) as a coffee cooperatives officer, coffee processing officer, and coffee value chain specialist, and five years at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), where he works as a field officer coordinator for ICRAF’s shade trees project. He has an Agricultural Engineering degree from National University of Rwanda (NUR) specializing in Crop Productions and Horticulture.

As the Southern Province District Coordinator, Pacifique coordinates the implementation of all program activities for SH-R at the Huye District level. Before joining SH–R, she worked as a consultant with Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA) Rwanda, organizing and providing agricultural technical assistance and training at the primary cooperative level. She also worked as a consultant for USAID-Global Communities as part of the Integrated Improved Livelihood program, providing business mentorship to micro-, small-, and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Pacifique holds a bachelor's degree in Agriculture and Rural Development with honors in Horticulture, as well as an advanced diploma in Crop Science at University of Rwanda (UR/CAVM) as a sector agronomist.

Epiphanie is District Coordinator of Western Province at SH-R, responsible for coordinating the implementation of all activities at Karongi District and part of Nyamasheke District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development and Agribusiness. Before joining SH-R, she served as a Zone Coffee Extensionist, working closely with coffee farmers at Rwamagana and Huye Districts for four years. Prior to that, Epiphanie spent two years at CARE International as an enterprise development professional at Gatsibo District.

Eric is an Agronomist based in Nyaruguru District, providing Best Agricultural Practices trainings, helping smallholder cooperatives become more business-minded, and training in management of coffee washing stations for producing specialty coffee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rwanda in Soil and Water Management. Prior to his current position with Sustainable Harvest®, Eric was a Field Agronomist Advisor for coffee washing stations (CWS) with SNV. He has done cupping, management, and leadership trainings and enjoys innovation and working with rural communities in Rwanda.

Before joining SHR, Eric worked with the integrated project for Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Green Village promotion, a FONERWA funded project as a Field Officer, and later with PAREF as District Forest Extensionist Officer. Eric has a bachelor's degree in Agroforestry and is master’s candidate in Project Management at Mount Kenya University.

Alice is District Coordinator in Gicumbi District, supervising the implementation of SH-R priorities and working closely with local government, women leaders, and cooperatives to meet project milestones. Alice holds a bachelor’s degree in Crop Production and Horticulture from the National University of Rwanda. Prior to joining SH-R, she worked as a Farmer Field School Technical Assistant for Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) to support the SPAT II Program financed by Belgian Development Agency (BTC). She is also a Farmer Field School Master Trainer.

Diana Butera Uwantege is the Operations Manager at Sustainable Harvest Rwanda. She is responsible for the internal works and management of the Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda office in Kigali. She is a resource for all staff members in terms of human resources, logistics, procurement, office equipment, and field staff needs. In addition, Diana leads and manages the planning and execution of the annual Let’s Talk Coffee® Rwanda event. Before joining Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda, Diana worked with Balton Rwanda Limited as Administration and Logistics Manager and later worked with The Hive Rwanda Limited as a Projector Administrator. Diana holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences in Rural Development and Agribusiness.

Jean Bosco is a senior coffee master roaster and cupper for Sustainable Harvest® Rwanda with 14 years of experience in coffee. He has worked for Rwanda specialty coffee roasters as well as Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the United States. He has done a cupping training organized by the USAID Pearl project and attended barista school for coffee in the United States. He has a level A2 in Biology and Chemistry from Huye District (EAB).

Sustainable Harvest® Rwanda LLC Staff

The LLC team is devoted to creating market opportunities for the amazing-quality coffee grown through the program, as well as promoting specialty-coffee culture as a whole in Rwanda.

Adam originally comes from Canada and started his career in coffee in 2005 with a small roastery outside of Toronto. In the last 12 years he has focused on specialty coffee for the hospitality industry, with experience managing operations in Europe, Asia Pacific, China, and now East Africa. As the Director of Social Enterprise, Adam leads the social-enterprise team as they navigate creating products for the local market and delivering world-class services. Adam is also responsible for exploration and growth strategies in the value-addition markets of the remarkable coffee from Rwanda.

As Deputy Director of Social Enterprise, Sylvere oversees the LLC’s operations and ensures business growth. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics and business management from the National University of Rwanda. Before joining SH-R, Sylvere spent five years as Business Development Manager at Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE), a social enterprise developing a women-led franchise model to manufacture and distribute affordable, high-quality, and eco-friendly sanitary pads across Rwanda.

As Wholesale Account Coordinator, Micheline manages and provides customer support to new and existing accounts. She coordinates and executes activities that support the SH-R LLC social enterprise’s key accounts along with promoting the Question Coffee™ brand in Rwanda. Micheline joined the team after spending three and a half years with the international in-flight catering company ASL Rwanda EPZE in Kigali as their customer liaison. She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Computing specializing in E-Marketing from APIIT in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Janvier is responsible for the coordination of logistics at SH-R LLC / Question Coffee™ in Rwanda. He is also a senior transport coordinator/driver. Prior to joining SH-R LLC, Janvier was a transport coordinator at National Unity & Reconciliation Commission. Before that, he worked as a private driver at National Commission of Science and Technology, African Development Consultants under USADF. Outside of SH-R, Janvier is on the audit committee of a cooperative of transportation called CODACE that works all over Rwanda. He holds a certificate in Computer Hardware and Networking from Tumba College of Technology and a certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics from Kavumu Driving School in Nyanza (Southern Province).

As manager of the Question Coffee™ Cafe in Kigali, Dan serves coffee from Rwandan women farmers trained through Sustainable Harvest®-Rwanda, telling customers about the inclusive supply chains that produced their coffee. Dan has worked in coffee for nearly 10 years—including as a barista and roaster—and is passionate about telling customers the story behind their coffee.

Merci is our newest team member, a young barista full of promise. After graduating from Muhazi secondary school, Merci Nsengiyumva joined Question Coffee as a Junior Barista. Since joining, Merci has been eager to find new challenges and stretch her skills. Merci's dream is to become a Rwanda National Barista champion and compete in the World Barista Championships.

Julius is an avid problem solver, bringing his creative viewpoints to the accounting department. He is now pursuing a master's degree in finance while working as the Social Enterprise Accountant at Sustainable Harvest Rwanda. His current position includes the organization of finances and accounts, active collaboration with staff and working with our business partners. In addition, he serves as a translator and piano player at his local church , and is a member of a public speakers club of Mount Kenya University.

Smayah is a natural leader both behind and outside of the coffee bar. As a Sr. Barista at Question Coffee, Smayah is responsible for serving delicious cups of coffees to the guests, and sharing the story of our program through customer interaction, barista training, and coffee tourism guiding. Before joining Question Coffee Smayah worked as an independent illustrator and print artist. Smayah is a college student at Kigali University’s Law Department. Her aspiration is to become a legal advisor to the coffee businesses and the first female roaster and quality controller in Rwanda.

Telesphore creates the systems that allow Question Coffee to grow sales month over month. Before joining, he spent more than 10 years as an auditor for different corporate institutions and is a regular speaker in workshops in Institute of Certified Public Accountant of Rwanda on Information Systems Security topics. He also holds a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from the University of London. His work at Question Coffee also involves oversight of information systems implementation and improvements.

Beatrice is a skillful teacher and systems implementer. Beatrice works with our café team as a Sr. Barista, focusing on café procedures and management. As Question Coffee grows, Beatrice is our primary resource for making sure our brand standards, policies, and procedures are followed across all customer touchpoints. Beatrice heard about Sustainable Harvest Program and decided to join Question coffee after working in the farm of five years. Beatrice’s long term goals is to become and master trainer of baristas in Kigali city.